Podcast

A weekly podcast from Youthscape, hosted by Rachel Gardner and Martin Saunders. Expect interviews, thought provoking discussion, perspectives on faith, church and youth culture and a serious amount of fun.

YS 96: Sexual Ethics with Sean Doherty

With the 2nd annual Youthscape / St Mellitus Lecture just 7 days away, this week's podcast features keynote speaker, the Rev Dr Sean Doherty for a sneak preview of some of the topic of the lecture. Martin and Rachel discuss sexual ethics and the church with Sean.

YS 95: Youth Work Salaries with Ali Campbell

Driving all the way from Clitheroe to Luton, Ali Campbell joined Rachel and Martin in the studio to talk about youth worker salaries, line management and general employment stuff.

YS 94: Peace and Reconciliation with Jim McDowell

Rachel and Martin talk to Jim McDowell from YouthLink in Northern Ireland about the politics and history of life in Ireland and the daily impact this has on teenagers and youth work today. Jim and his team are doing some incredible work in schools and youth groups AND they've found the time to write the next series of OpenMe which starts next week.

YS 93: Climate Change with Ruth Valerio

Why does climate change matter? Do young people really care? What can we do about it as individuals, families, youth groups and churches? Martin hears about all this and more from Ruth Valerio.

YS 92: Youth work in the Ukraine with Oleg and Lena

We loved having so many international guests with us at NYMW18. In this episode, Rachel talks to Oleg and Lena who have been investing in youth work in the Ukraine for over 25 years.

YS 91: Comedy and preaching with Andy Kind

Today's podcast is a flashback to NYMW18 where roving reporter Joe talked to Andy Kind about comedy, evangelism and preaching.

YS 90: Innovation and the church with Michael Moynagh

Church of England Missioner, Michael Moynagh, has written a great book about innovation and the church. Martin caught up with him via skype in what turned out to be his favourite interview ever. But first... what's been stuck inside his locker?

YS 89: Psychosexual therapy with Emma Waring

Martin and Rachel talk about "The Sex Talk" and how it's changed over the years before Rachel heads to the Shard to meet psychosexual therapist, Emma Waring.

YS 88: Contemplative spirituality with Stephen Hoyland

Almost-Jesuit Stephen Hoyland was in town for a week of guided prayer so we booked Martin in for a session and recorded a podcast. It's a good one. There's talk of contemplation and spirituality, facilitating reflection for teenagers, how to know whether or not it's working and a healthy does of humour. Listen to this, and then listen.

YS 87: Resourcing young evangelists with Mark Andreson

How are those New Year Resolutions going? Martin and Rachel catch up on last year's good intentions and new interviewer Joe talks to Mark Andreson from Dare2Share about encouraging and resourcing teenagers to share their faith PLUS Sasha's first update from her world travels.

YS 86: Gender Equality with Jenny Baker

Happy New Year! We kick off the YS Podcast for 2019 with a great chat with Jenny Baker about her work at Redthread and her brand new venture, Out Of The Box Cards.

YS 84: The Podcast heads to Norway

Rachel was in Norway this summer at the UL festival where she met Morten Eilki and Line Stordal. Listen in for some insights into life as a Christian teenager in Norway, what's getting Norwegian teenagers fired up at the moment and the culture of worship there.

YS 83: Eggnog, evangelism and the digital world with Neil O’Boyle

Neil O'Boyle visited Youthscape HQ so Martin grabbed him for a chat about evangelism and the challenges of reaching young people through digital media. Rachel and Martin also tackle the divisive subject of eggnog and Martin tells the story of a recent evangelistic talk he gave...

NYMW Review Podcast

Martin reflects on the National Youth Ministry Weekend in this extra YS Podcast. Expect tired ramblings, a dog, Chris Curtis, an actual podcast listener and a giant piece of fish. Oh and some actual reflections on an excellent weekend.

YS 81: Headteacher Nathan Atkinson on food, school and sustainable living

This week, Martin catches up with Leeds headteacher, Nathan Atkinson, who responded to a need in his pupils' daily lives, resulting in radical innovative programmes which transformed his school, the community, Leeds and beyond.

YS 80: Gemma Dunning on pastoring LGBTQ+ teenagers

Join Rachel and Gemma in the garden while they chat about pastoring LGBTQ+ teenagers.

YS 79: Tim Alford

Find out what happened when Rachel and Martin went out for chicken in Harrow and hear from Tim Alford about starting youth ministry in the toughest places and how he maintains his own spiritual health.

YS 78: Nick Blanch

It's Friendship Week on the YS Podcast - Martin and Rachel share their deepest friendship secrets and we hear from Nick Blanch at Norwich Youth for Christ about the discipline of accountable friendships.

YS 77: Cuthbert Gondwe

Continuing our occasional series hearing from youth workers around the world, Rachel interviews Cuthbert Gondwe, Church Mobilisation Manager for Eagle's Relief - a Tearfund linked project in Malawi. Expect profound insight into the essential characteristics of a leader, stories of youth empowerment in Africa and thoughts on creation care.

YS 76: Tim Ross on diversity, generosity and the Bible

Who rules the world? NERDS!
Rachel talked to Tim Ross about how he sees the bible and the importance of diversity and generosity in church.

YS 75: Sanjay Rajo from Naujavan

This week on the podcast, Rachel and Martin talk to Sanjay Rajo from Naujavan - an incredible ministry in the UK which supports and equips young South Asian Christians in their faith.

YS 74: Sasha Austin-Seade drops in ahead of her round-the-world youth work research trip

Sasha Austin-Seade dropped in for a podcast as she comes to the end of her time as Wellbeing Lead at Phase Hitchin and heads off round the world to experience youth work models in other countries.

YS 73: TLG’s Tim and Rae Morfin

Where do you listen to yours? That's the big question this week.
(But the interview with Tim and Rae all about how they are helping churches serve children and young people in their communities is much more interesting)

YS 72: Elizabeth Oldfield from Theos

Elizabeth Oldfield from Theos talks about screen breaks, hostility, disagreeing well and how we can better prepare young people to share their faith with their friends.

YS 71: Back to school special with Gordon Raggett

Special back to school edition featuring schools work consultant, Gordon Raggett, with special bonus appearances from Dave Westlake and Lahna Pottle.

YS 70: Celebrating 25 years of Youthscape

This year, Youthscape celebrates its 25th anniversary. We invited originals staff member, Jo White, back to reminisce about youth work in Luton in the early days. Hear her baffle Martin & Rachel with stories of maggot racing, cabbage catapults and more.

YS 69: Jenny Flannagan introduces Youth Work Sunday

Youthscape's National Project Manager, Jenny Flannagan talks Youth Work Sunday, Open Me and more

YS 68: The YS Podcast heads to Sunderland

Up in Sunderland, Rachel met two great youth workers - Liz Russell, who has been a leader with the Girls Brigade for 48 years, and Andy Osenton, Director of Wearside Youth for Christ.

YS 67: Rachael Newham talks about her new book

Rachael Newham visited to talk about her new book, Learning to Breathe and why she's so passionate about helping churches understand suicide and mental health.

YS 66: Mark Arnold on supporting young people with additional needs

Mark Arnold from Urban Saints joins Martin and Rachel in the studio to talk about how youth workers can support young people with additional needs.

YS65: Miriam Swaffield

Rachel caught up with Miriam Swaffield while she was out and about for a chat about discipleship, community and prayer.

YS 64: Luke Whyte

The "Ideas Machine Gun" visited YSHQ for a chat with Martin Saunders. Expect new ideas, thoughts on church, youth, resources and more, as well as some searingly honest conversation about when things don't go as well as you'd hoped.

YS 63: Sophie Doyle

Welcome to the YS Podcast West Country Special. Sophie Doyle joined us all the way from Cornwall to talk about unity, calling, gap years, young leaders and scones. (Jam first, then butter, obviously)

The Girl Deconstruction Podcast: Arianna Walker

We finish our TGDP podcast series with an interview with Arianna Walker of Mercy UK about seeing women set free to be who they were created to be.

The Girl Deconstruction Podcast: Laura Hancock

Rachel talks to Laura Hancock - Youth For Christ's Director of Church Resources about the Body section of the book. How does the portrayal of the female body in the media impact how young people view their own bodies?

The Girl Deconstruction Podcast: Chine McDonald

This third Girl Deconstruction Podcast comes with a fantastic interview with Chine McDonald on courage in the face of stereotypes.

The Girl Deconstruction Podcast: Cathy Madavan

Today Rachel interviews Cathy Madavan about speaking, preaching and teaching. Find out how to pre-order a copy of Rachel's book or how you could be one of five lucky winners to get an amazing TGDP goody bag...

The Girl Deconstruction Podcast: Lou Fellingham

We're interrupting the usual YS podcast schedule to bring you not one but FIVE podcasts about Rachel Gardner's exciting new book, The Girl Deconstruction Project. Every day this week we'll bring you a fresh new interview with some of the most insightful, wise and challenging female voices in and around the Christian youth work world. First up: Lou Fellingham

YS 62: Patrick Regan and Kintsugi Hope

When Patrick Regan came to Luton for the day, Martin and Rachel took him out for lunch and persuaded him to record a podcast. Listen out for stories of XLP, exciting news of Patrick's new venture, Kintsugi Hope, and full details of the most annoying things that Martin and Rachel do.

YS 61: Beki & Matt from Youthscape

This week our very own Matt Allen and Beki Lannap talk about their work with NEET/RONI young people in Luton and how taking them into a forest for an overnight survival experience can raise aspirations.

YS 60: Jimmy Dale

Rachel catches up with the National Youth Evangelism Officer for the Church of England - he's only responsible for 16,500 churches. No biggie. Jimmy talks about the Talking Jesus: Youth research and some of the controversial statistics.

YS 59: The entire youth and children’s staff team from St Mary’s Reigate

This week, Matt, Charles and Karen head to Luton for our first team-podcast. These three are the youth and children's work team at St Mary Reigate. Tune in to hear about their experiences of working together and not just one but TWO musical games.

YS 58: Ali Martin on Soul Survivor

Rachel meets Ali Martin from Soul Survivor to talk festivals, encouraging other leaders and the link between what happens at Soul Survivor in the summer and the church in Watford all year round.

YS 57: Lucie Shuker talks research, statistics and the Sound of Music

YS 56: Kick London on youth, sports and strategy

Joe Lowther chats to Martin about Kick London and how churches can engage young people through sport, and Rachel meets Rachel who runs Kick London's Dance Academies as well as Beth, a young footballer.

YS 55: MarkO talks about growth and development as a youth worker

Mark Oestreicher from the Youth Cartel talks about growth and development as a youth worker and his new book; 4 Views On Pastoring LGBT Teenagers

YS 54: Bishop Mike Royal brings his wisdom to the podcast

Mike Royal dropped in for a chat about life as a bishop, town planning and the way it shapes communities, church unity across ethnic and racial divides, Grenfell, TLG, the Cinnamon Network and more.

YS 53: Nexus ICA’s Matt Cossey and the one with the Megan Fox anecdote

Rachel heads to Coventry where she catches up with Matt Cossey from Nexus ICA, and Martin shares the Megan Fox anecdote

YS 52: Mike Palin meets Gage Henry and Mark Lamb from Athens

When the brilliant Mike Palin headed to Athens GA, he promised to send back an in-depth report for the YS podcast... and he didn't disappoint. This week's podcast features Gage Henry and Mark Lamb from Athens Church talking about small group ministry, young leaders, how young people serving in church serves the whole family and the differences between UK and US culture. Including grits.

YS 51: Alex Heath from the Catholic Diocese of Northampton

This week, Martin catches up with Alex Heath, Director of Faith Formation, School Chaplaincy and Liturgy at the Catholic Diocese of Northampton.

YS 50: Pete & Bryony Baker and Dan Randall from Pais GB

It's the 50th EVER YS Podcast and to celebrate, we've got more guests than presenters! Hear from Pete, Bryony and Dan about the amazing work of PaisGB in growing young leaders, reviving a traditional method of Bible study and impacting local schools.

YS 49: Supporting young people after a major event, with Susie Mapledoram

Almost a year after the bombing of the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, we talk to local youth worker Susie Mapledoram about how youth workers in the city have been supporting young people after the attack.

Andy Winmill and Amy Heyes popped over from Birmingham for the day so we dragged them into the freezing cold podcast studio.

YS 47: Meet Jamie and Theresa from The Message

Jamie and Theresa from The Message Trust talk about faith, following Jesus, failure and more.

YS 46: The one about Spring Harvest

Rachel hears all about Spring Harvest's plans for an all-new indoor camping youth festival, Helen Cutteridge talks about volunteering in the youth venues and Martin shares what might be the worst youth work idea he's ever had.

YS 45: A bonus 40th birthday episode

Ssshhhh, don't tell Martin but we sneaked into the studio and recorded this bonus extra podcast to celebrate his 40th birthday!

Urban Saints' Director, Richard Langmead shares some of his hopes for Urban Saints, growing young leaders and his dreams of adventure.

YS 43: Self Harm Awareness Day

A bonus extra episode of the Youthscape podcast recorded especially for Self Harm Awareness Day.

YS 42: Phoebe Hill launches Youthscape’s latest research report

This week Phoebe Hill heads to the podcast studio to discuss the findings of No Questions Asked? - the latest report from Youthscape's Centre for Research.

YS 41: Andrew Root on Faith Formation In A Secular Age

Dr Andrew Root joins the podcast from America, talking about his latest book; Faith Formation In A Secular Age.

YS 40: with Deputy Headteacher, Rosalind Paul

This week, local Deputy Headteacher, Rosalind Paul, drops into the studio. Ros has been involved with Youthscape since the beginning so has some great insights and advice for youthworkers wanting to work well with schools.

YS 39: Soulfulness and mindfulness with Brian Draper

Rachel catches up with good friend, Brian Draper to talk about how to use mindfulness techniques to connect with God and help young people engage with it too. And we find out why Martin is a little bit more sparkly than usual...

YS 38: Kate Middleton talks anxiety and emotional wellbeing

Kate Middleton popped in to YS Towers for a quick game of #WhatIf? and a chat about emotional wellbeing

YS 37: Mike Palin

Rachel's opening topic has Martin and Mike squirming in their seats before they even get a chance to talk youth work. Stay tuned to find out which award Mike won in 1994

YS 36: Chip K

Martin and Rachel discuss music and Rachel interviews Chip K about using music in youth and schools work.

YS 35: Lee Kirkby

Martin grabs a skype interview with Lee Kirkby before he heads out for a day at the zoo...

YS 34: New Year with Lahna Pottle

Bringing together New Year resolutions, YouTube, an academic lecture and 1980s children's TV in a way that only the YS podcast can...

YS 33: Matt Adcock brings some festive fun to the podcast

It's Christmas Day and the YS Podcast team are hanging out with Matt Adcock to talk festive films, youth work and how to get on the esteemed podcast shout-out list. Listen out for news of a brand new, fully funded MTh opportunity too.

YS 32: Len Kageler and Victoria Etherington

Another double-header as Rachel interviews Victoria Etherington from the York Methodist Circuit and His Eminence, the Reverend Professor Doctor Sir Pastor Duke Len Kageler from NYACK

YS 31: Kenda Creasy Dean

This week, Jamie and Naomi from the [Concrete] team bring us an interview with Kenda Creasy Dean with some questions based on their reading of The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry.

YS 30: Live at the National Youth Ministry Weekend

Recorded at the National Youth Ministry Weekend with a real-live audience, this episode features thought provoking discussion on male identity, gangs and purpose with Naomi Allen, Mike Royal and Nathan Dennis, with bonus extra interview with Alia Pike. Hosted by Martin Saunders and Cat Deeley.

YS 29: Jon Langford on young leaders and discipleship

A double header this week as Rachel catches up with Jon Langford to talk about discipleship and mentoring for young leaders but throws in a blast-from-the-summer interview with Oli Deeks too. But more importantly... can Martin drink his tea out of a jug?

YS 28: The National Youth Ministry Weekend

In a YSPodcast FIRST, Rachel and Martin publish an on-the-day review of the National Youth Ministry Weekend. Expect highlights, lowlights, hints of what God was up to and even a conversation about toilets.

YS 27: Bob Wallington on image, filters, friendships and welcome

At Soul Survivor this summer, Rachel sat down with Bob Wallington to talk images and filters, friendships and welcome and the way we present the details about our youth work.

YS 26: Ruth Jackson

Don't get too excited but some of this podcast was recorded in AN ACTUAL STUDIO!!! Martin catches up with Ruth Jackson, the new editor of Premier Youth & Children's Work Magazine.

YS 25: Naomi Allen

Captain Mischief and Henrietta Tornado are joined this week by Naomi Allen from XLP

YS 24: Liz Edge

Martin and Rachel are joined by the lovely Liz Edge for a chat about mental health and her new book.

YS 23: Chris Curtis

This week Martin interviews the boss. But what will Rachel say when she finds out that he and Chris started without her?

YS 22: Joe “Enthusiasm” Russo

Ever wanted to know what Martin's favourite bumper sticker is? Or which English words are popular in Italian? Or who will finally win the Word Challenge?

YS 21: Message On The Ball

Football is this week's focus as Rachel and Martin both interview Emily and Ashley from Message On The Ball.

YS 20: Mark Scandrette on experiencing spirituality

Following the recent launch of 9Beats, Youthscape's Alex Drew catches up with Mark Scandrette about the spiritual experiments aspect of the project and why it's important for young people to experience spirituality.

YS 19: Nathan Dennis on connecting with youth culture

Martin and Rachel catch up with another NYMW speaker over Skype. Nathan Dennis is a Birmingham-based youth worker with all sorts of exciting stories to tell...

YS 18: Faith Generation author, Nick Shepherd

Dr Nick Shepherd joined the Youthscape team for chapel and breakfast so we recorded this interview during team meeting.

YS 17: Supporting young parents with Jendella Benson

A skype conversation with Jendella Benson inspires more discussion between Martin & Rachel around how as youth workers we respond to teenage pregnancies and support younger parents.

YS 16: Grace Wheeler on young people and the faith journey

Grace Wheeler from YFC drops in for a chat with Rachel about evangelism and the journey of faith.

YS 15: Rural Youth Ministry with Paul Friend

This week, Paul Friend joins us all the way from Exeter to talk about rural youth ministry, along with stories from Rachel and Martin's holiday adventures...

YS 14: Emily Bosworth talks schoolswork

Have you ever wondered what Martin and Rach were like at school? We find out when Emily Bosworth pops down from Leeds to talk Schoolswork...

YS 13: Youth AND children’s work? Vicky Piggott-Genge

Vicky Piggott-Genge got in touch by email so we skyped to find out what she had to say about managing a busy youth and children's work programme at her church in Poole.

YS 12: Family & Discipleship with Ali Cambpell

This week, Rachel catches up with theresource.org.uk's Ali Campbell for an in-depth look at family, discipleship and all age church, Martin unwraps the new, improved Shuffle and the pair suggest their definitions of 'quack'

YS 11: Youth work and funding with Karen Hornett

This week, Rachel and Martin are joined by Karen Hornett, Youthscape's Finance Director. Expect fundraising tips, youth work wisdom and 17 different versions of the best laugh you've ever heard.

YS 10: The Skegness Special

Roving Rachel takes the YS Podcast on tour and finds Pete James and Christy Wimber in sunny Skegness

YS 9: Tim Chaddick

An introduction to one of the NYMW speakers; Tim Chaddick, as well as a chance to find out who really owns Martin's mum's biscuits.

YS 8: Worship and Silence with Sara and Sam Hargreaves

YS 7: Mental health with Ruth Ayres

This week Ruth Ayres (Youthscape) hangs out in the studio with Rachel and Martin to talk about mental health, caring for young people and the Super Bowl.

YS 6: The Shack with Director, Stuart Hazeldine

This week we bring you an exclusive interview with the Director of The Shack, Stuart Hazeldine, complete with authentic London coffee shop background noise.

YS 5: Matt Summerfield in the studio

Martin and Rachel interview one of youth work’s most listenable voices, Matt Summerfield and unpack one of Youthscape’s newest resources #IsItOK?

YS 4: Open Doors talk about the persecuted church

Martin grabs an interview with the youth team from Open Doors when they drop in to the Youthscape offices, with discussion about Soul Survivor and the fourth word challenge - will it be Martin’s first win?

YS 3: Young people and evangelism with Luke Hamilton

Rachel’s interview with Luke Hamilton (Alpha) sparks a discussion on young people and evangelism

YS 2: with Natalie Collins

Martin reveals some of the speaker line-up for the National Youth Ministry Weekend, Rachel interviews Natalie Collins (Spark) about domestic violence and the Youthscape team set another word challenge.